Introduction
Annapolis Royal is arguably Nova Scotia's most historic town -- it even bills itself, with justification, as "Canada's birthplace." The nation's first permanent settlement was established at Port Royal -- just across the river from present-day Annapolis Royal -- in 1605 by a group of doughty settlers that included Samuel de Champlain. (Champlain called the beautiful Annapolis Basin "one of the finest harbors that I have seen on all these coasts.") The strategic importance of this well-protected harbor was proven in later tumultuous years, when a series of forts was constructed on the low hills overlooking the water.
Annapolis Royal today is truly a treat to visit. Because the region was largely overlooked by later economic growth (trade and fishing moved to the Atlantic side of the peninsula), it requires little in the way of imagination to see Annapolis Royal as it once was. (The current population is just 700.) The original settlement was rebuilt on the presumed site. Fort...
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Port-Royal National Historic Site
Canada's first permanent settlement, Port Royal was located on an attractive point with sweeping views of the Annapolis Basin. After spending the...
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Fort Anne National Historic Site
What you'll likely remember most from a visit here are the impressive grassy earthworks that cover some 14 hectares (35 acres) of high ground overlooking...
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Historic Gardens
You don't need to be a flower nut to enjoy an hour or two at these exceptional gardens. The 4-hectare (10-acre) grounds are uncommonly beautiful,...
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- Picnics, Parks & Gardens
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